5 impressive foreign players to have emerged from ISL 2

The semi-finals of the second edition of the Indian Super League are about to come to completion and a lot of players have surprised as well as disappointed us with their performances. There is always an air of excitement when teams sign players from abroad and the same holds true for the ISL as well.While there is still some time to go before the Indian Super League starts attracting the finest players from abroad, there still have been some great acquisitions. We take a look at 5 foreign players to emerge from season 2 of the Indian Super League.

#5 Nicolas Velez

Velez added to his burgeoning reputation with his performances for NorthEast United

Nicolas Leandro Velez was signed by NorthEast United at the start of the second edition of the Indian Super League, and scored 5 goals in 14 appearances since making his move. Velez was a key part of Cesar Farias’ side, who are currently fourth in the Indian Super League standings, and might qualify for the playoffs this season after missing out last year.

The 25-year-old tormented defenses with his skill and direct running and has scored 5 goals so far. He however was not clinical in front of goal, and that explains his return of only 5 goals, despite him creating so many goalscoring chances for himself.

The Argentine is a youth product of River Plate, but never made it to their senior team. He started his senior career at local club Atlético Huracán before signing for Spanish side Atlético Sanluqueño. He then moved to Singapore where he scored 29 goals in 38 appearances for Warriors FC.

#4 Jonatan Lucca

Lucca has been an everpresent in Goa's midfield

Jonatan Lucca has been a key part of Zico’s team, who are currently awaiting the home leg of their semi-final against Delhi Dynamos, trailing 1-0 from the 1^st leg. The 21-year-old has made 14 appearances for FC Goa, and has made an impressive 49 tackles, more than any of his teammates.

The Brazilian has been a good protective shield for his defenders, and has also controlled the game from the midfield. He also is a decent passer of the ball, and is composed on the ball.

Lucca, is a youth product Brazilian club Internacional, made a big move to Serie A giants AS Roma at the age of 18. He never made a senior appearance for AS Roma, but was sent to Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense on loan for whom he later signed permanently.

FC Goa then signed him on loan this season. Lucca has also scored three goals and assisted one more for them since his arrival.

#3 Antonio German

German has impressed with his consistency since breaking into the team

Antonio German was signed by Kerala Blasters from League One club Gillingham on a free transfer. Once he joined the ISL, German scored 6 goals and assisted two in the 9 appearances he made for the Blasters.

He announced his arrival by scoring against defending champions Atletico de Kolkata and his pace and trickery on the ball proved very difficult for defenders to handle.

Antonio German, a youth product of the Queens Park Rangers academy, has played for various clubs in the lower divisions of English football. He started his career at Queens Park Rangers, and was sent on loan to Aldershot Town, Southend United and Yeovil Town.

He was then signed permanently by Stockport County before moving to clubs like Bromley, Brentford, Gillingham and Northampton Town.

#2 Sameehg Doutie

Doutie looks like a real find and a consistent player

Atletico de Kolkata are currently in a tight spot, trailing 3-0 after the 1^st leg of their semi-final. They mounted a great comeback to make it into the semi-finals and Sameehg Doutie deserves a lot of credit for the same. Antonio Habas has clearly shown that he is ready to change things up to get results and the best thing he did was getting Doutie into the team.

3 goals and 6 assists in 11 appearances have shown how decisive the winger can be. The South African is now one of the most important members of the team after his impressive performances, and has been one of the key reasons behind Atletico de Kolkata’s revival after they lost three games in a row.

Doutie has played in South Africa during his entire career and has also represented his country at various youth levels. Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata signed him in the offseason, and Doutie, a youth product of Ajax Cape Town, has delivered.

#1 John Stiven Mendoza

John Mendoza has been crucial for Chennaiyin upfront

John Stiven Mendoza Valencia was signed by Brazilian club Corinthians earlier this year after his impressive performances last year in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League, and later joined Chennaiyin FC again on loan.

The Colombian striker is currently the top goalscorer in the tournament with 12 goals in 14 appearances, two more than second-placed Iain Hume. The 23-year-old has been the best performer for Chennaiyin FC, who fought very hard to get through to the semi-finals and are now comfortably placed in their quest for a position in the final, leading Atletico de Kolkata 3-0.

Mendoza relies on his pace to beat defenders and is clinical in front of goal. He started his senior career at Colombian club Envigado FC and also spent time on loan at América de Cali and Cúcuta Deportivo.

He then signed for Deportivo Cali before making a permanent move to Chennaiyin FC. He also represented the Colombian U-17 team that finished fourth at the 2009 Under-17 FIFA World Cup.